by Ronnie Nathanielsz
In a much-awaited flyweight clash undefeated Milan Melindo (20-0, 7 KO’s) of the famed ALA Gym seeks to avenge the loss of IBF light flyweight champion Brian Viloria in a title fight against Carlos Tamara (21-5, 15 KO’s) of Colombia who also subsequently lost the title in his first defense.
Originally scheduled for November 28 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, ALA Promotions partners, the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN wants the fight to be held on Saturday November 27.
ALA Promotions indicated that should the Waterfront Hotel not be available on that date, they are considering staging the fight card at the plush new Raddison Hotel which will be inaugurated in October.
ALA Promotions patron Tony Aldeguer told us that Tamara’s promotional outfit had agreed to the terms and signed the contract.
Melindo who has won all his three fights this year with impressive performances is out to avenge the setback of Brian Viloria who lost his IBF light flyweight title with a shocking 12th round TKO to Tamara with 1:15 remaining in the final round when referee Bruce McTavish stopped the contest as a visibly exhausted Viloria failed to answer a flurry of punches by Tamara. Viloria was leading on the scorecards of two of the three judges at the time of the stoppage.
Viloria who was rushed to hospital after he collapsed in his dressing room but recovered at the Makati Medical Center, returned to the ring last July 10 and won a ten round split decision over Mexico’s Omar Soto.
Tamara on the other hand turned down an offer to defend his title and instead decided to take on Luis Alberto Lazarte of Argentina and lost the title in a split decision setback in Buenos Aires on May 19 this year.
Viloria informed the Inquirer that he's "been in the gym for the last couple of weeks in Maywood. I've been training with Mario "Yucca" Morales and have been staying in shape. "
He said there are no fights set up yet and plans have slowed down due to the tragic death of Top Rank promoter Bob Arum's son, 49 year old lawyer, environmentalist and mountaineer John Arum in an accident ih the Cascade mountains in Seattle.
Viloria is aiming for a fight in November and saud he has been "keeping myself in fighting form."
The 22 year old Melindo is coming off a 2nd round knockout of Korean champion Jin Man Jeon last August 28 following a 4th round TKO victory over Komrit Twins Gym on April 23.
The classy Melindo won the WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight title with a unanimous ten round decision over American Anthony Villareal on January 14 after dropping the champion in the opening round.
Melindo is ranked No. 11 by the WBC and the WBA and No. 7 by the IBF while Tamara is ranked No. 4 light flyweight by the IBF.
